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Universidade Rovuma

Departamento: Faculdade de ciências da linguagem, comunicação e artes.

Curso: Ensino de Inglês a Distância

Subject: General Linguistics

Topic: What is Linguistics

Student Name:. Tutor:

Sorais Francisco Valentim. Hermenegildo da Helena Nicolau

Nampula, Maio de 2023

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Índex

Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Concept of language----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Importance of language teaching/learning------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Importance of language learning---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

The scop of Linguistics------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Linguistics and language- some basic principles:--------------------------------------------------------------6

A science of language--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

The object of study of linguistics---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Problems linguistics face as and academic subject----------------------------------------------------------7

Language-using animals----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Experiments with chimps---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Conclusion-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Bibliography Reference-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
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Introduction

The present work of General Linguistics, is of the assessment character, this work will speak about: What
is Linguistics, importance for language teaching/ learning, The scope of Linguistics, Linguistics and
language some basic principles, Science of language, the object of study of linguistics and language using
animals.

The objective of this essay is to promove patriotic wit of the know the skills for learning the language in
own society.

This essay have the great importance, because it is mainly used for Linguistic communication, it is
developing the ability to use the language on habit level, and it will involve the process of listening,
speaking, reading and writing.

For doing this essay provided and used many sources how read the books, watch videos and internet
consult.

This essay estrutured by: Introduction, development, conclusion and Bibliography Reference.
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1. Concept of language

According Boey (1975), Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech sounds combined into
the words. Words are combined into the sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into
thoughts.

Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group cooperates.

For Brown ( 2000), Language is a structured system of communication that consists of grammar and
vocabulary. It is the primary means by which humans convey meaning, both in spoken and written
forms, and may also be conveyed through sign languages.

Language a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which
human beings, as members of social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. The
function of language include communication, the expression of identity, play imaginative expression,
and emotional release.

2. Importance of language teaching/learning

Second Eapen, (1995), say that, Teaching language there are great importance, because this approach
helps the students gain a better, more in-depth understanding of their assignment, speech and work
product expectations.

This is especially important when it comes to comprehending the differences among conversational
speech, formal speech, and abstract rules about word usage in different cultures.

When teaching a foreign language, linguistics is important to language teacher in that providing
historical context to word origins can help students better comprehend the language.

Linguistics is equally important to language teacher who provide instruction on the English language.
Linguistics helps the students understand regional dialects and colloquialisms. It also helps students
identify the origins of sayings and phrases that have involved over time, but sayings that may not have
the same relevance or meaning in contemporary society. Linguistics can also help guard against self-
embarrassment, using words that are common, but have historical context that may make them
inappropriate or insulting in polite society.
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2.1. Importance of language learning

For Halliday, (1965), say:Learning another language has been a goal for many people, and the best time
immerse yourself in this experience tends to be when you a young person.

Learning a language is an important skill in today's interconnected world. With the rise of globalization
and technology, having mastery of more than language can open possibilities to many new
opportunities.

It can help you explore different cultures, connect with people around the world, boost your career
potential, and even convey powerful messages.

 Language learning helps to communicate with other cultures,

 It helps to improve cognitive functioning,

 It helps to gain professional opportunities,

 Language learning helps to improve your social life

 It helps to understand different cultures,

 Language learning helps to travel the world,

 Language learning helps to your brain power,

 It helps to open your mind to new ideas,

 It helps to appreciate your own language,

 Language learning helps to have fun,

 It helps to get ahead in your career,

 It helps to make lasting connections,

 It helps to feed your curiosity

 Language learning helps to make learning easier,

 It helps to make travel easier.

3. The scop of Linguistics

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Horvat, (1984), Linguistics refers to the scientific study of language. The word 'linguistics' is derived
from the latin words 'lingua' meaning 'tongue' and 'istics' meaning knowledge's study of linguistics
encompasses many different facets of a language, including its phonetics, semantics, syntax,
morphology, and stylistics, among other things.

The scope of Linguistics is vast as it is an expansive and complex field of study which includes various
aspects of a language such as phonetics, semantics, syntax, morphology, and stylistics, among other.
The study of linguistics is also interdisciplinary as it has many varied specialisations such as
Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Psycholinguistics and so on. It is
regarded as a descriptive field of study since it is always changing as languages envolve and change.
So, as new developments occur in any language, Linguistics as a field of study expands and is
considered dynamic, as the historical aspects of languages and dialects go from old to new.

Another reason why there is an immense scope of Linguistics is that this area is also applied in
various other fields especially Speech Therapy in Modern Medicine, Literature, Anthropology, and
Sociology, among others. Many research studies have also significantly highlighted the role of
linguistics in every language as well as in comprehending the varied aspects of literature in terms of
prose and poems.

4. Linguistics and language- some basic principles:

According Saussure, (1959.p67) Principle of arbitrary, naturally of the sign, but it is often easier to
discover a truth than to assign to it its proper place. Principle I dominates all the linguistics of
language; its consequences are numberless. It is true that not all of them are equally obvious at first
glance; only after many detours does one discover them, and with them the primordial importance
of the principle.

One remark in passing: when semiology becomes organized as a science, the question will arise
whether or not it properly includes modes of expression based on completely natural signs, such as
pantomime. Supposing that the new science welcomes them, it's main concern will still be the
whole group of systems grounded on the arbitrariness of sign.

In concluding let us consider two objections that might be raised to the establishment of principle I:

1. Onomatopoeia might be used to prove that the choice of the signifier is not always arbitrary. But
onomatopoeic formations are never organic elements of a linguistics system. Besides, their number
is much smaller than is generally supposed.

2. Interjections, closely related to onomatopoeia, can be attached on the same grounds and come
no closer to refuting our thesis. One is tempted to see in them spontaneous expressions of reality
dictated, so to speak, by natural forces.

Principle II: The Linear Natural of the Signifier

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The signifier, being auditory, is unfolded solely in time from which it gets the following
characteristics: a) it represents a span, and b) the span is measurable in a single dimension; it is a
line.

While Principle II is obvious, apparently linguists have always neglected to state it, doubtless
because they found it too simple; nevertheless, it is fundamental, and its consequences are
incalculable. Its importance equals that of principle I; the whole mechanism of language depends
upon it.

5. A science of language

For Brown, (2000), Linguistics is the science of language, and linguists are scientists who apply the
scientific method to questions about the nature and function of language.

Linguistics is considered to be an applied science as well as an academic field of general study within
the humanities and social sciences. Traditional areas of linguistic analysis correspond to syntax: rules
governing the structure of sentences,

Semantics: meaning,

Morfology: structure of words,

Phonetics: speech sounds and equivalent gestures in sign languages,

Phonology: the abstract sound system of a particular language, and pragmatics how social context
contributes to meaning.

Subdisciplines such as Biolinquistics: the study of the biological variables and evolution of language
and Psycholinguistics: the study of psychological factors in human language bridge many of these
divisions.

6. The object of study of linguistics

Second Harris (2013), In this case of study about the linguistic, the object of study given in advance,
which are then examined from different points of view. Nothing like that is the case in linguistics.
Suppose someone pronounces the French word nu ( naked) . At first sight, one might think this
would be an example of an independently given Linguistics object.
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7. Problems linguistics face as and academic subject

Applied Linguistics is concerned with providing solutions to real-life problems caused by language
reactions. The fields that link with applied Linguistics include psychology, sociology, anthropology,
education, and communication research. These are also the practical issues associated with applied
linguistics. Example of applied linguistics include forensic linguistics, language policy, and planning,
among others.

Applied linguistics focuses on solving language issues in society's complex áreas. Its quest to achieve
this, several problems have emerged. Assessing language proficiency has been one of the biggest
encountered problems. It has been brought about by cultural unfamiliarity, lack of the ability to
comprehend a language, and insufficient academic vocabulary for specific areas.

8. Language-using animals

For Eapen (1995), Animals with a theory of mind are capable of communication. Communication can
be verbal, but it can also be in the form of gestures and other bodily movements or touches. Similar
to humans, animals may use certain sounds to signal something to others. This could be a growl or
roar that signals to others that there is a threat nearly.

Several monkey espécies are able to make different alarm cries to signal different predators. For
example, a couch may signal an eagle, a chattering may signal a snake, and a barking call may signal
a leopard.

Animal and human signaling are often instinctual or self-evident forms of communication. We don't
have to be taught to scream when we are scared, it just comes naturally to us.

Animal communication: the process in which information is transferred from one animal to another
in order to affect their immediate or future behavior.

Animal language: the modeling of human in other animal behaviors and systems.

Experiments with chimps

Since chimps cannot speak, they communicate by using hand gestures, body posture, facial
expressions and they make various noises. By combining gestures that are available to them, chimps
are able to convey a wide variety of message to another.

To begin to experiment the communication of the chimps, one must first gain a general
understanding of primate communication in general. For most part, great apes are fairly quiet, while
monkeys are noisiy creatures, chattering and shrinking to one another using different alarm cries to
signal different types of danger.
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Conclusion

The present essay of the General Linguistics, discussed about: What is Linguistics, concluded
that:Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech sounds combined into the words.
Words are combined into the sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts.

This is especially important when it comes to comprehending the differences among conversational
speech, formal speech, and abstract rules about word usage in different cultures.

When teaching a foreign language, linguistics is important to language teacher in that providing
historical context to word origins can help students better comprehend the language.

Linguistics refers to the scientific study of language. The word 'linguistics' is derived from the latin words
'lingua' meaning 'tongue' and 'istics' meaning knowledge's study of linguistics encompasses many
different facets of a language, including its phonetics, semantics, syntax, morphology, and stylistics,
among other things.
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Bibliography Reference

Boey, L. K. An Introduction to Linguistics lor the Language Teacher. Singapore: Singapore University
press. 1975.

Brow, H. D. Principles of Language Learning (4'hed.). New York: Longman. 2000.

SAUSSURE Ferdinand, General Linguistics. New York City. 1959.